Answer: Based on your plan and considering your age and fitness level, a gentle and scenic itinerary for Huangshan Mountain is advisable. Since you are aiming to walk around 4-6 miles each day and prefer routes without too many stairs or steep sections, the following plan balances sightseeing with comfort.

Answer: Tangkou is indeed a good base for visiting Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Forest Park, especially in December. It is the closest town to the park's eastern entrance, making it convenient for early morning departures to the mountain, which is ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy sunrise views.

Answer: Yes, you are correct about the trail conditions. The hike from Yungu Cable Car station down to Xihai is mostly stairways and steep paths. If you attempt it in the opposite direction—starting from Xihai and going up toward Yungu—you will be climbing a long series of stairs, which can be quite strenuous. For most visitors, this is why people prefer to take Yungu as a descent rather than an ascent.

Answer: Taohua Peak (Peach Blossom Peak) is one of the lesser-visited peaks in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) area, offering spectacular scenery and a quieter experience compared to the main peaks. Climbing it requires some planning as it is more remote and not directly accessible by the main tourist cable cars.

Answer: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is famous for its steep stairs and breathtaking views. Since you and your mom want to avoid extremely steep climbs while still seeing the West Sea Grand Canyon, planning carefully is key. Here’s a detailed guide for a one-day route with minimal strain.

Answer: To pre-purchase tickets for the Yungu and Yuping cable cars in Huangshan, you have several options:

Answer: If you have a fear of heights, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can still be enjoyed with careful planning, as some routes are less exposed than the famous cliffside paths. Most of the steep or “skywalk” sections can be avoided if you choose your hiking routes wisely.

Answer: For traveling from your hotel in Huangshan to Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain) and back, there are several convenient transportation options depending on your budget, comfort preference, and timing. Since you speak Mandarin and have an unlocked US cell phone, arranging transport will be easier through apps or calling services directly.

Answer: Visiting Mount Huangshan in November with an elderly person who has arthritis requires careful planning. The mountain is famous for its steep granite steps, uneven paths, and long trails, which can be physically demanding.